President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, has sparked widespread debate among Nigerians.
Many citizens took to social media questioning the rationale behind freeing a convicted murderer while several others remain on death row for similar offences.
Critics argue that the decision undermines the rule of law, while supporters insist it reflects compassion and aligns with global calls for prison reform and rehabilitation.
Presidency defends move, cites compassion and conduct
In defence of the decision, the Presidency explained that Sanda’s family appealed for her release, emphasising her transformation and good behaviour in prison.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that her pardon was part of a wider exercise involving 175 beneficiaries, including the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa.
He added that the approval followed recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, led by Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Legal experts, activists react to precedent
Legal analysts have described the development as “a complex mix of justice and politics,” warning that it could set a troubling precedent in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Human rights groups have also questioned why gender or public sympathy should influence state decisions on serious crimes such as murder.
However, others argue that Sanda’s case, after nearly seven years behind bars, shows the importance of mercy within the justice process when genuine remorse is proven.